A good deal of the travel industry isn’t geared toward the enrichment of the traveller’s experience; it focused on the enrichment of the industry’s bottom line. There is a prevailing attitude of, “Go first class, all the way. If you can’t, save up and go when you can afford first class all the way.”

I believe what people expect in their travels is to learn about other places and cultures, see and experience something they have never seen or done before, taste delicious food and have the most amazing time. From sun-kissed beaches and exciting cities, to snow-capped mountains and untamed savannahs, we all want to discover the World of Adventure!

But what if our expectations are not met? Do we strive for more or settle with less? When you’re at home, do you,

• require a fresh bath towel, every day?
• expect other to dance for your amusement and entertainment?
• live in a five-star hotel?
• expect your toilet to be sanitized every day, and provided with a paper sash proving so?

Why, then do people expect this when travelling? Because we want to maximise what we can get for the money we paid.

It’s easy, far too easy, to unknowingly use your money to buy a wall that separates you from what you claim you came to see.

Therein, lies the essence of budget travel.

• Knowing what your needs truly are, and not buying above them.
• Becoming a temporary local.
• Satisfying you curiosity, not your ego.
• Seeking out a more meaningful experience in you travels.
• Joining in the experiences of everyday life.
• Getting the “natives” to dance with you, rather than for you.

Mind you, it can still be expensive as hell, but it will be money well spent. As time goes on, you’ll know you’ve gotten your money’s worth.

Often this requires you to set a budget, make compromises, and economise in ways you may be unaccustomed to. These things too, add to the enrichment of you travel experience.

And at last, few travel hacks from me:

• Always roll your clothes; don’t fold them. You’ll find a world of space.
• Don’t carry more clothes than you need. Keep it to a bare minimum.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Credit/Debit cards are safer. In case you get mugged, you can always contact your card service provider.
• People forget how important a pen is. Always carry 2 ball point pens with you. It can even serve as a defensive weapon.
• Keep scanned copies of your identity cards and passport in your email and on your phone in case of emergency.
• Always carry painkillers in your bag/rucksack.

In the words of John Lydon, “Don’t let them tell you what you want. Don’t let them tell you what you need.” If you do there truly is, “no future for you.”

If you are looking for recommendations to travel abroad on a budget, I’m happy to tell you that there are a number of places around the world where you can go. But here are the top 5 places in Europe that I believe are worth visiting if you’re on a budget.

Get out there! Travel!

The post The essence of budget travel appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Some of the architecture in Barcelona has been around for more then two thousand years. But make sure you take the time to appreciate everything else this spectacular city has to offer. As you wander along the streets, your attention will be captured by the laughter of the locals, the views over the water past the sandy beaches, and the culture that can be found within the numerous museums.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first things you should take the time to see while visiting Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia. This iconic attraction was created by Antoni Gaudí and the construction began back in 1882. While this building isn’t completed yet, you will still love every moment you are inside. Other Gaudí sites you might be interested in during your visit include Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Gaudí House Museum.

Museums are plentiful in Barcelona, but one of the most popular ones is the Picasso Museum. There is an extensive collection of Picasso’s works inside this museum. You will want to plan a few hours for this museum, because it is within five different stone mansions. In addition to seeing the artwork, you can wander through the courtyards and see the intricate details on each of the staircases.

You cannot spend time in Barcelona and not go to the beach! Barceloneta Beach is one of the best in Europe. You will always find crowds of people there. When you are not out in the water swimming, kitesurfing, or windsurfing, you can relax on the sand and watch the locals.

Other attractions and landmarks you will want to see in Barcelona include the Palau de la Música Catalana, Parc de la Ciutadella, Mirador de Colom, and the Barcelona Chocolate Museum. If shopping while travelling is your thing, then make sure you stop at La Rambla. This is mostly a pedestrian street that is filled with shops, restaurants, and the popular La Boqueria food market.

Must try: Park Güell Admission Ticket or 25+ Museums card

Entertainment and Food

Your days are going to be full of sightseeing in Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean you must do the same thing once the sun sets. After taking the Montjuïc Cable Car to see that magnificent sunset, you can hit up one of the nightclubs or a local theatre like the Palacio del Flamenco. After all, watching a flamenco performance is a must while in this part of the world!

As you are exploring Barcelona, you will want to skip everything listed above. So you can simply eat all the cuisine available in the city! Don’t be surprised if your food orders include platefuls of Spanish omelets, bocadillos, chorizo, croquettas, blistered peppers, and bombas. I recommend ordering sangria to wash it all down for the most authentic Barcelona experience. However, you can order wine or beer if you wish.

Your time in Barcelona is going to fly right on by since there is so much to do and see. I recommend taking your time seeing what you can and leaving a few attractions and landmarks for a future visit.

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The streets of Paris are full of romance and beauty, but there is so much more within this extraordinary destination. The culture, the history, the food, the wine, and even the shopping appears to be so much better in the elegant city of Paris.

Attractions and Landmarks

When you arrive in Paris, you will instantly see the Eiffel Tower. This attraction is so tall that it can’t be missed. You can decide on your own if you want to simply appreciate this wonder from the ground or if a trip to the top is on your must-do in Paris list.

Once you have checked off the Eiffel Tower, you can venture over to the Louvre to see the massive collection of artwork. The Mona Lisa is at the top of everyone’s list, so be prepared to capture a quick glance before being ushered past this magnificent piece. It is best to prepare your visit to this museum in advance, because it can take days to see it all. Therefore, choosing which exhibits you want to see the most can help you walk out the doors a little sooner.

A little relaxing, as well as enjoying a quick lunch, is possible within the Jardin du Luxembourg. Although, the same is possible over at Tuileries Garden by the Louvre.

The Notre Dame is not as glorious as it once was, thanks to the recent fire. However, you can still enjoy parts of this cathedral. Plus, it won’t be long until the Notre Dame is a gorgeous as it once was, both inside and out.

Other must-see attractions within Paris include the Place de la Concorde, the Paris Opera House, Musee d’Orsay, and the Arc de Triomphe. If you have the time, you can also do a day trip to the Palace of Versailles.

Must try: Eiffel Tower Stair Climb or River Seine Cruise

Entertainment and Food

Incredible nights in Paris begin with romantic dinners and long strolls under the moonlight. However, you can also see an opera performance at the Opera House or catch a performance over at the Theatre du Chatelet. Moulin Rouge is another popular nighttime hotspot where you can combine dinner with a couple hours of fun watching the dancers up on the stage.

Many of the nightclubs and bars offer live music too, so you can dance until you can’t dance any more.

While you may have a difficult time determining what to see first and what to do in this city, you will never have a hard time determining when you should eat. The reason for this is the answer is all day, and all night, long!

There are so many food options available in Paris and you are going to want to try it all, while sipping on some of the best wine in the entire world. Mornings should always begin with a fresh baguette, as well as a croissant or two. There are many delicious French cheeses to go with both these items, so you should pick some of those up as well.

Duck confit makes an excellent main meal, but so do steak frites. Dessert will bring many options, but the most popular are the macaroons. If you do not want those, you can choose eclairs or some tasty chocolate.

Paris is a city that you will fall in love with instantly and you are never going to want to leave. When that happens, I recommend simply starting to book your next visit, long before it is time to board your plane back home.

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A walk through the city of Amsterdam will have you wandering through fascinating museums, shopping in vintage stores, and enjoying delectable cuisine. Of course, you can’t ignore the beauty that seems to be everywhere in this city.  Especially in the tucked away destinations that are hardly ever discovered.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first things you will want to do over in Amsterdam is take a gondola ride through the canals. This is one of the best ways to see the city and figure out where all the major attractions are located. There are more than one hundred canals in this city. Do not expect to see them all. However, you can see the best of them during a quick little ride.

After your time on the canals, it will be time to explore the many different museums in Amsterdam. There is no right or wrong place to start your museum adventures. But make sure you have the Rembrandt House Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum on your list. The Anne Frank House is another must-see museum attraction. I highly recommend you purchase your tickets online in advance if you want a chance to see the inside.

When you are ready for a little relaxation, you can hop onto a bike and ride over to Keukenhof to see the tulips if you time your visit right. And if you don’t, it is still an open green space you will enjoy.

The Red Light District, or De Wallen, is an area that some people are intrigued by. There are many restaurants in this area of Amsterdam, as well as many adult entertainment venues.

Must try: City Canal Cruise or Amsterdam Royal Palace

Entertainment and Food

The nightlife in Amsterdam is incredible if you know where to go. Performances can be seen at the many theaters around Leidseplein, while concerts can be seen in the parks during the summer months. Nightclubs are plentiful in the Red Light District and over near Rembrandtplein.

There are many festivals and other special events held in Amsterdam every year. So if you plan your vacation there carefully, you can see so much more. One of the favorites is the Holland Festival, but you may have a different favorite after your visit.

There are so many Dutch foods that you will want to try when you are in Amsterdam, although a few of them may seem strange in the beginning. A few of the foods that should be at the top of your list include bitterballen, herring, spekkoek, frites, kibbeling, and Dutch cheese.

One of the favorite foods in Amsterdam though is stroopwafel and many people who try one during their vacation go home wanting more. While you won’t be able to get them fresh anywhere else in the world, like you can in Amsterdam, it is still possible to enjoy stroopwafels when you get home, if you know where to get them.

Amsterdam is quite an amazing place to visit and you will instantly be overwhelmed by the beauty that is everywhere. Your time in this city will seem to be too short and it won’t be long before you are planning a return trip to see it all again!

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Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your “best” is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject.

My personal choice will be mid ship or aft cabin.

Pros

1. The location can make getting around easier since you are located in a more central location to where you want to be.
2. Aft cabins tend to be very popular because they offer wonderful views of the wake of the ship and don’t usually have a lot of neighbours. You still need to be aware of what is around your stateroom though.
3. There are lots of “hidden gems” on a cruise ship and a good cruise/travel agent will know about them. For example, forward oceanview cabins on the upper decks of some Celebrity ships, such as the Celebrity Summit, are much larger than a normal oceanview and the large porthole window offers some fantastic views of the bow of the ship. You can read one of my reviews here.

Cons

1. Don’t chose a cabin under the Lido deck or pool deck. The trouble is that there usually is activity happening there all the time, especially under the buffet area. You may hear jumping, chair scraping, and running.
2. Over or under public areas (casinos, restaurants, bars). Sometimes these venues run till after midnight. And if you are trying to have some quiet time in your stateroom, you may instead be hearing noise from the area below or above your stateroom.
3. Forward staterooms that are up in the front of the ship on a lower deck may seem like they would be out of the way of all the bustle and noise of the ship, but they are subject to a different kind of sound. From here you can usually here the sound of the waves crashing into the side of the ship as it moves through the water. And it isn’t the romantic sound of waves crashing, it can instead be loud and shocking.

Of course there is a lot more that it can be added to the above, but my advice will be to study the deck plans and the cabin pictures, so you can determine what is good and what is not so good.

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Hong Kong – one of the most cosmopolitan, technology driven and cultural city in 21st -century’s East Asia.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first places you will want to go in Hong Kong when you arrive is Victoria Peak.  There are multiple ways to get there, but I recommend the Peak Tram if you want to go the scenic route.  Of course, if you are the adventurous type, a hike along the Morning Trail will give you the views, lots of exercise, and an excellent introduction to this part of the world!

The Man Mo Temple may not look like much from the outside, but the inside will capture your attention and potentially even mesmerise you for what will seem like eternity.  Upon entering, you will see an uncountable number of smoking spires complete with incense, as well as students who are studying for their next test.

If your journey to Hong Kong has you seeking out a Buddha, the Tian Tan Buddha must be on your list.  This is the biggest Buddha in Hong Kong and you will find it near the Po Lin Monastery.  However, if one Buddha is not enough, the ten thousand plus Buddhas at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery will have you covered.  You will find this non-monastery high up in Sha Tin, and you must walk up more than four hundred stairs to reach the top.

Must try: Symphony of Lights Chinese Cruise Tour with Drink

Shopping is popular in Hong Kong, and while you can visit any of the markets, you may prefer the prices you can bargain down to at the Temple Street Night Market.  This market opens when all the others close and it is easy to grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants in between all your shopping adventures.

Entertainment and Food

There are so many different entertainment options in Hong Kong, and you could truly do something fun and exciting every day and never run out of things to experience!  First on your list should be a Cantonese Opera Show and that can be followed with smashing lots of items up at Ikari Area or visiting the Crazy Car Café for a little go-carting.  You may even want to fall asleep outside, as you gaze up at the stars, at the Mingle Farm.

When it comes to the delicious food in Hong Kong, there are so many dishes you will want to try.  Start with the wontons and sweet and sour pork before digging into delicacies that include Phoenix talons, snake soup, pineapple bread, and fish balls.  Hong Kong-style milk tea is the afternoon drink of choice, so make sure you take a little time one day to indulge in a few sips.

You will love every moment of your time in Hong Kong, as long as you plan your itinerary carefully.  Everything mentioned above must be on your list of things to do and see, but the other items you find along the way will be equally important. Just don’t try to do too much during your trip or you won’t enjoy it like you should!

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With its delightful Dutch colonial architecture, thriving art and culinary scenes and excellent history museums, go-go Curaçao feels like a little piece of Europe at the edge of the Caribbean.

Attractions and Landmarks

Curaçao has a sightseeing oceanside that anybody is bound to visit when they go to the island.

The Aquafari takes you underwater to see the beautiful blue underwater ocean. They give you an eco friendly scooter that supplies you oxygen, and allows you to fully navigate the ocean depths.

The Shete Boka national park is a guide around cliffs and crashing waves. You get to walk the trails and see the incredible mountains and oceanside. Uniquely, Curaçao is home to above ground caves called the Hato caves. You can take a tour and go through the historical Indian trail or go visit other parts of the cave.

Fort Amsterdam is a military fort in Willemstad built in 1634. It was the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company, but now the governor of Curaçao sits there.

If you’d like to see the largest floating bridge in the world, visit Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. It was constructed in 1888, and is a swing bridge that still let’s ships pass by today.

Curaçao has spectacular architecture that dates back to 2900 BC, and a lot of buildings today are still standing. Tourists are attracted to these rich pieces of history because they allow us to experience history as if we were there.

Must try: Tugboat Reef Snorkel and Fort Beekenburg or West Coast Beach Hopping

Entertainment and Food

The number one music venue in Curaçao is the 27 Bar & Terrance. They play live rock, blues, funk, soul, country, reggae, Latin and local music. The local artists are creative and you can really get a feel for the artists and type of music they play.

The Christoffel Sunset Lounge is a great spot for sport events since there are comfortable areas for seating, TVs, food, and drinks. It’s right next to the beach, so you can relax next to the view at sunset, or watch your favourite game inside.

When ordering food here, the blend of cultures comes out in the taste. Dutch, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Jewish and Caribbean food traditions are all mixed together to give a one-of-a-kind flavor.

Hofi Cast Cora is a rustic, country restaurant. It was once a farm, but now they serve Caribbean foods on wooden tables. Fort Nassau is a historical military fort, but now you may go inside and order dutch style foods. The old stone setting is what makes this fine dining experience so amazing.

What is Free?

Just taking a stroll in Willemstad will please you as you take in the rich culture embedded within the streets and buildings. You can take a look at the floating market, which is a market made up of vendors on boats that sell fruits and vegetables. If you love fresh produce, you are guaranteed to find fresh, ripe foods at the floating market.

Grout Knip is a turquoise beach that gives off tranquillity. Relax on the beach and be next to the rocky green hills watching the waves. You can have the chance to see flamingos at the flamingo sanctuary in Sint Willibrordus. Although, you do have to get there at the right time to catch the flamingos.

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More than 100 countries have travel restrictions because of the coronavirus. In order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries across the world have started implementing very tough measures. In the coming months people won’t be able to travel freely which will have a huge impact on the travel and hospitality industry.

As a consequence of the global pandemic there are the travel limitations. I won’t be able to travel as much as before these days. So, I’ll share with you some of my old travel experience.

I will also write about the day-to-day lifestyle, culture, health, news and tips about the life in general. Today’s article will be about futuristic architecture – something I came across recently and did a small research about. We will look back in time to track how it has developed through the past 100 years.

The history of the futuristic architecture 

We all know that humanity continuously hopes for a better tomorrow. We may not be able to change the past, but we can do our best to create a better future for us and our children. For the present is the key to a wonderful tomorrow. Our current thoughts and actions are what shape our future and no one is better at ‘shaping’ than architects. They simply live for it! A building designed by an architect today may live for 100 years beyond to tell the tales of the past and shape the future.

Throughout the past century, the image of futuristic architecture has transformed three times. These transformations were influenced by revolutionary inventions and technological developments. It had changed the way people perceived the future. So, let’s see how futuristic architecture visions have changed in 100 years!

Early 20th Century

Sant’Elia and fellow Italian architect Mario Chiattone presented a group of sketches under the title “La Città Nuova” or the New City, during the events of an exhibition in Milan in 1914. These sketches depicted the futurist architects’ vision of futuristic architecture.

Post World War II

After World War II, futuristic architecture became neo-futuristic architecture. It includes numerous works by renowned modernist and contemporary architects.

Oscar Niemeyer, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, and Cesar Pelli are only a selection of architects with notable neo-futuristic works. However, one group that took futuristic architecture to the next level is none other than the London-based Archigram.

The New Millennium

The parametric design may have been there since earlier times. It is believed that Gaudi’s work holds early evidence of employing nature-inspired algorithms. However, this design mechanism has significantly experienced a leap in the 80s, thanks to the developments in the field of computer design software. Frank Gehry‘s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, built between 1999 and 2003, showcases the use of CATIA software as a mean for parametric design.

Architects do not restrict their imagination to what is possible right now. But rather to what could be and what they wish for. They draw futuristic architecture in their minds and leave evidence of their fantasies on paper to inspire generations yet to come.

#FuturisticArchitecture

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What is a healthy diet?

Eating a healthy diet is not about strict limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and boosting your mood.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be overly complicated and boring. If you feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition and diet advice out there, you’re not alone. It seems that for every expert who tells you a certain food is good for you. You’ll find another saying exactly the opposite. The truth is that while some specific foods or nutrients have been shown to have a beneficial effect on mood, it’s your overall dietary pattern that is most important. The cornerstone of a healthy diet should be to replace processed food with real food whenever possible. Eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it can make a huge difference to the way you think, look, and feel.

By using these simple tips, you can cut through the confusion and learn how to create—and stick to—a tasty, varied, and nutritious diet that is as good for your mind as it is for your body.

The fundamentals of healthy eating

While some extreme diets may suggest otherwise, we all need a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in our diets to sustain a healthy body. You don’t need to eliminate certain categories of food from your diet, but rather select the healthiest options from each category.

Protein gives you the energy to get up and go—and keep going—while also supporting mood and cognitive function. Too much protein can be harmful to people with kidney disease, but the latest research suggests that many of us need more high-quality protein, especially as we age. That doesn’t mean you have to eat more animal products—a variety of plant-based sources of protein each day can ensure your body gets all the essential protein it needs.

Fat. Not all fat is the same. While bad fats can wreck your diet and increase your risk of certain diseases, good fats protect your brain and heart. In fact, healthy fats—such as omega-3s—are vital to your physical and emotional health. Including more healthy fat in your diet can help improve your mood, boost your well-being, and even trim your waistline.

Fiber. Eating foods high in dietary fiber (grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and beans) can help you stay regular and lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also improve your skin and even help you to lose weight.

Calcium. As well as leading to osteoporosis, not getting enough calcium in your diet can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Whatever your age or gender, it’s vital to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, limit those that deplete calcium. Get enough magnesium and vitamins D and K to help calcium do its job.

Carbohydrates are one of your body’s main sources of energy. But most should come from complex, unrefined carbs (vegetables, whole grains, fruit) rather than sugars and refined carbs. Cutting back on white bread, pastries, starches, and sugar can prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar, fluctuations in mood and energy, and a build-up of fat, especially around your waistline.

Making the switch to a healthy diet

Switching to a healthy diet doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy and you don’t have to change everything all at once. That usually only leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan.

A better approach is to make a few small changes at a time. Keeping your goals modest can help you achieve more in the long term without feeling deprived or overwhelmed by a major diet overhaul. Think of planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps—like adding a salad to your diet once a day. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices.

Setting yourself up for success

To set yourself up for success, try to keep things simple. Eating a healthier diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories, for example, think of your diet in terms of colour, variety, and freshness. Focus on avoiding packaged and processed foods and opting for more fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Prepare more of your own meals. Cooking more meals at home can help you take charge of what you’re eating and better monitor exactly what goes into your food. You’ll eat fewer calories and avoid the chemical additives and added sugar. The unhealthy fats of packaged and takeout foods can leave you feeling tired, bloated, and irritable, and exacerbate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.

Make the right changes. When cutting back on unhealthy foods in your diet, it’s important to replace them with healthy alternatives. Replacing dangerous trans fats with healthy fats (such as switching fried chicken for grilled salmon) will make a positive difference to your health. Switching animal fats for refined carbohydrates, though (such as switching your breakfast bacon for a donut), won’t lower your risk for heart disease or improve your mood.

Read the labels. It’s important to be aware of what’s in your food. The manufacturers often hide large amounts of sugar or unhealthy fats in packaged food, even food claiming to be healthy.

Focus on how you feel after eating. This will help foster healthy new habits and tastes. The healthier the food you eat, the better you’ll feel after a meal. The more junk food you eat, the more likely you are to feel uncomfortable, nauseous, or drained of energy.

Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins. Yet many of us go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger. So staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.

Moderation: important to any healthy diet

What is moderation? In essence, it means eating only as much food as your body needs. You should feel satisfied at the end of a meal, but not stuffed. For many of us, moderation means eating less than we do now. But it doesn’t mean eliminating the foods you love. Eating bacon for breakfast once a week, for example, could be considered moderation. Follow it with a healthy lunch and dinner—but not with a box of donuts and a sausage pizza.

Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods, it’s natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. Start by reducing portion sizes of unhealthy foods and not eating them as often. Reduce your intake of unhealthy foods. You may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences.

Think smaller portions

Serving sizes have ballooned recently. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entree. Or split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, visual cues can help with portion sizes. Your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards. Half a cup of mashed potato, rice, or pasta is about the size of a traditional light bulb. By serving your meals on smaller plates or in bowls, you can trick your brain into thinking it’s a larger portion. If you don’t feel satisfied at the end of a meal, add more leafy greens or round off the meal with fruit.

Take your time. It’s important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food. So eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

Eat with others whenever possible. Eating alone, especially in front of the TV or computer, often leads to mindless overeating.

Limit snack foods in the home. Be careful about the foods you keep at hand. It’s more challenging to eat in moderation if you have unhealthy snacks and treats at the ready. Instead, surround yourself with healthy choices and when you’re ready to reward yourself with a special treat, go out and get it then.

Control emotional eating. We don’t always eat just to satisfy hunger. Many of us also turn to food to relieve stress or cope with unpleasant emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or boredom. But by learning healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, you can regain control over the food you eat and your feelings.

Add more fruit and vegetables to your diet

Fruit and vegetables are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Focus on eating the recommended daily amount of at least five servings of fruit and vegetables. It will naturally fill you up and help you cut back on unhealthy foods. A serving is half a cup of raw fruit or veg or a small apple or banana, for example. Most of us need to double the amount we currently eat.

To increase your intake:

• Add antioxidant-rich berries to your favourite breakfast cereal
• Eat a medley of sweet fruit—oranges, mangos, pineapple, grapes—for dessert
• Swap your usual rice or pasta side dish for a colourful salad
• Instead of eating processed snack foods, snack on vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or cherry tomatoes along with a spicy hummus dip or peanut butter

How to make vegetables tasty

While plain salads and steamed veggies can quickly become bland, there are plenty of ways to add taste to your vegetable dishes.

Add colour. Not only do brighter, deeper coloured vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but they can vary the flavour and make meals more visually appealing. Add colour using fresh or sundried tomatoes, glazed carrots or beets, roasted red cabbage wedges, yellow squash, or sweet, colourful peppers.

Liven up salad greens. Branch out beyond lettuce. Kale, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are all packed with nutrients. To add flavour to your salad greens, try drizzling with olive oil, adding a spicy dressing, or sprinkling with almond slices, chickpeas, a little bacon, Parmesan, or goat cheese.

Satisfy your sweet tooth. Naturally sweet vegetables—such as carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, bell peppers, and squash—add sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for added sugar. Add them to soups, stews, or pasta sauces for a satisfying sweet kick.

Cook green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus in new ways. Instead of boiling or steaming these healthy sides, try grilling, roasting, or pan frying them with chilli flakes, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, or onion. Or marinate in tangy lemon or lime before cooking.

Plan quick and easy meals ahead

Healthy eating starts with great planning. You will have won half the healthy diet battle if you have a well-stocked kitchen, a stash of quick and easy recipes, and plenty of healthy snacks.

Plan your meals by the week or even the month

One of the best ways to have a healthy diet is to prepare your own food and eat in regularly. Pick a few healthy recipes that you and your family like and build a meal schedule around them. If you have three or four meals planned per week and eat leftovers on the other nights, you will be much farther ahead than if you are eating out or having frozen dinners most nights.

Shop the perimeter of the grocery store

In general, healthy eating ingredients are found around the outer edges of most grocery stores, while the centre aisles are filled with processed and packaged foods that aren’t good for you. Shop the perimeter of the store for most of your groceries (fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and poultry, whole grain breads and dairy products), add a few things from the freezer section (frozen fruits and vegetables), and visit the aisles for spices, oils, and whole grains (like rolled oats, brown rice, whole wheat pasta).

Cook when you can

Try to cook one or both weekend days or on a weekday evening and make extra to freeze or set aside for another night. Cooking ahead saves time and money, and it is gratifying to know that you have a home cooked meal waiting to be eaten.

Challenge yourself to come up with two or three dinners that can be put together without going to the store—utilizing things in your pantry, freezer, and spice rack. A delicious dinner of whole grain pasta with a quick tomato sauce or a quick and easy black bean quesadilla on a whole wheat flour tortilla (among endless other recipes) could act as your go-to meal when you are just too busy to shop or cook.

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As a British citizen (applicable for residents too), I have British Airways American Express Premium Plus Credit Card. It is one of the best travel rewards credit card which rewards me with a 2-for-1 travel with a British Airways Companion Voucher when I spend £10,000 each year. In other words, you can only receive a Companion Voucher if you are a member of the British Airways Executive Club and are the main account holder within a British Airways American Express Credit Card Account. The voucher is valid for 24 months and it allows the main account holder to make a flight booking using Avios and to book another seat on the journey for a Companion without having to pay the Avios for that Companion but only the airport fees and taxes.

How did I do it?

So, I booked a return flight in first class with British Airways to Miami for myself and my partner by paying 185,000 Avios and £1,364 airport fees and taxes.

The Hotel

We spent one night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in a standard guest room, 1 king bed, with a balcony (partial ocean view). We booked it with 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The hotel is a great hidden gem! It seems to be a popular place. Because of that the amenities (pool, spa, beach etc) are not heavily populated, making using them much more comfortable. The con is that the bars and restaurants and be very packed at dinner but it gives it a buzz too.

The Cruise

The next day we boarded Celebrity Equinox for a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise. We stayed in a Royal Suite. It was “won” through a bidding system called “Celebrity Move Up” for £415 per person on the top of the price we have already paid for our cruise. As guests staying in a Royal Suite, we had many perks. For instance a priority embarkation and disembarkation, premium beverage package, free wi-fi, unlimited speciality dining, butler service, gratuities included. In addition, we had access to “The Retreat” deck and lounge and many more extras, which could total up to £1,500 per person worth of perks.

Our ports of call were as follows: departed from Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We had an amazing time and enjoyed to the fullest our first class holiday. We created so many unforgettable memories for the years to come and we looking forward to doing that again in the near future.

Summary

In conclusion and to sum up:

• London to Miami in first class
• 1 night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
• 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
• Miami to London in first class

Avios used: 185,000

Marriott Bonvoy points used: 60,000

Money paid: £4,694 (cruise + airport taxes and fees)

Cash cost of the holiday: £21,400

#travelinstyle

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